A Fresh Cleansing Oil

Ahh I love cleansing oils, in fact if it's not a balm or an oil then I'm not cleansing with it. Fresh have recently released a new cleansing oil, the Fresh Seaberry Skin Nutrition Cleansing Oil to be exact. It is a multi-tasking cleanser than not only removes make up but cleanses the skin leaving a hydrated soft radiant feel. The Seaberry extract is antioxidant rich in omega 3, 6, 7, and 9 which all help to protect and soften the skin. As well as containing Camellia seed oil, Nigella oil, and Grapeseed oil. It is powerful enough to remove even waterproof makeup but isn't stripping on the skin whatsoever which my dry skin loves. As cleansing is something I do every evening without fail I love it when the cleanser has actual skincare properties its self. For me this is the first ever cleanser that I have used that has actually made a visible difference in my skin. This cleanser has vital ingredients for skin nourishment and anti-aging making it perfect for mature or dry skin types like mine. To prove how magical Seaberry oil is, this story from the Fresh co-founder really speaks volumes. “When I was two, living in a small town in Eastern Siberia, I tipped over a pot of boiling water. My arm was badly burned, and I was rushed to a doctor who treated me with a pasty orange salve that I later learned was seaberry oil. Extracted from a plant native to Russia and the Himalayan region known for thriving in harsh conditions, this oil has been used for generations as a natural cure.” It isn't an ingredient I have come across a lot before now but I am really intrigued by it. I am going to do some more research into it and hopefully try a few more skincare items like this wonderful cleansing oil. Love...

*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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MAC x Charlotte Olympia

I am a huge fan of Charlotte Olympia's designs and an even bigger fan of MAC Cosmetics so naturally I had to get my hands on some of the new collection they have collaborated on together. Inspried by pinups and silver scree sirens the collection features decadent packaging with her signature cobweb and beautiful products indeed. I managed to get my hands on the red lip liner (complete staple), Cream Colour Base, and Liquid Eyeliner (again a wonderful stable). The lip liner is in the shade He Said She Said a standard brick red that isn't really anything to write home about but I do appreciate the limited edition packaging. As always with MAC liners the pigmentation is great and the pencil creamy. Again the liner is nothing revolutionary but I do really like the shade. The  Nearly Natural liquid liner is a deep brown that looks perfect for every day over black. I usually go for a pen type of liquid liner so the applicator is a little tricky for me but I am coming to quite like it. Now the product that has really stood out to me is the Cream Colour Base in Golden Age. It is a antique bronze shade that to begin with I thought would make a beautiful cream eyeshadow, and that it does but I experimented with it a little and it also looks beautiful as a bronzer on the cheeks. It is rather shimmery and metallic but if you sheer it out and use just the smallest amount on the checks and temples it can look wonderfully natural and extremely bronzed; and because it is a cream it will be perfect for summer. My expectations of this collection were filled with the Cream Base alone and while the other products are nothing special they are nice. Love..


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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NARS Summer Under Cover 2016

NARS's latest colour collection is about to drop so I thought today I would share a few of the details with you along with my opinion on the collection. The collection includes four new Dual Intensity Eyeshadows, two new Dual Intensity Blushes and their brand new product, Lip Covers. The limited edition packaging is one of my favorite parts about this collection. It is inspired by the glamour of the French Rivera and the boxes are beautifully illustrated by Konstantin Kakanias. So before we get on to the very exciting new release lets have a chat about the new shades of the Dual Intensity products. First up you have the eyeshadows, I already love the formula of the Dual Intensity shadows so I new I would like these especially in the stunning colors of this range. I have Topless which is a beautiful pink highlight shade and then Deep End which is a bright teal blue. Of course they have amazing pigmentation and can be used wet or dry. The two blushes are very similar in tone with Liberation being just slightly darker than the one I have; Sexual Content. Again I love the Dual Intensity blushes as they can be used wet or dry and you get two shades for the price of one. Sexual Content is a beautiful shade that is perfect for the summer months with the terracotta nude shade giving the skin a great sun kissed look and the pale raspberry pink being lovely and poppy on the cheeks. So now finally on to the really exciting new Lip Covers they have released. The Lip Covers are described by NARS as 'creamy lip glosses with incredible saturation on the lips' I myself would describe them more of a liquid lipstick. The have a satin like finish but when blotted or left to set for ten or so minuets it turns into a creamy matte look. I personally like to blot them to turn them into the perfect matte finish and then they lock in place all day. There are four shades at the moment but I do hope these are permanent and they release more shades. I have Members Only which is a classic crimson red that will only be available at NARS boutiques and NARS online. I also have Overheated a cool toned brown nude that is so on trend right now and then Do Not Disturb which is the most beautiful orange red. All in all I love the formula and the fact that they can be matte on the lips, last all day, but not dry them out at all. The collection will be available from May 1st at Selfridges and nationwide June 1st and it has me dreaming of summer, the South of France and just sun in general. Oh well it's raining right now but maybe soon. *Update, the collection seems to be online for sale HERE. Love...

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New at Tarte

Tarte has release two new collections recently and I have a few items from both that I thought I would share with you today. The first of the two is the highly anticipated Rainforest of the Sea collection which holds a brand new foundation and concealer from Tarte, I have yet to try those but I have got my hands on the new Marine Boosting Mist and one of the Drench Lip Splash Lipsticks in the shade Firework which is a beautiful deep red. The Marine Boosting Mist is said to be a four in one primer, setting spray, skin refresher and hydrator. It restores the skins natural glow while rehydrating and prolonging makeup wear, the potent antioxidant filled formula also firms the skin over time. The light mist feels lovely on the skin and I love using it to refresh throughout the day as well as when setting my makeup. I think it really does prolong the wear to a certain extent but not quite as much as say something like the Urban Decay All Nighter, but you do have the skincare benefits with this one. The Lipsticks in this collection are to die for, they have a beautiful formula that is creamy and hydrating on the lips but also matte. They are full of pigment and the shade I have Firework is a stunning full coverage deep red. I really love them and when I can I will certainly be getting my hands on some more. Oh and we have to mention how beautiful the slim metallic purple and gold packaging is. My only peeve with them is that they are tiny, and when I say tiny I mean you get about a third of the product you usually would in a lipstick. The other new collection is The Double Duty beauty line which is quite the mouthful to say the least. The line really focusses on making beauty easy and quick. I have the ever so beautiful Classic Courage palette that contains one check colour and five natural shadow shades. The shadows are all very buttery and are shades that are easy to wear. I also love the packaging on this, very sweet indeed. Lastly I have an Eye Architect (not shown as I've lost it; sad face) from them which is a two in one eye product. On one end you have a creamy pencil liner and on the other a powder shadow with sponge applicator. The cap holds the powdered product and then you twist in the applicator to get more on it. I have the Champagne/Brown which is an easy every day duo and would be perfect if you are always on the run. All in all I am rather impressed with the new lines, and quite bummed it's not easy to get here in the UK; I feel a Sephora order coming on. Have you tried anything new from Tarte recently?*Update Tarte now ship to the UK horahh!  Love...

*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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My Top Ten Foundations

Today I am talking you through my top ten foundations of all time. I thought why not hop on YouTube and actually talk to you guys rather than ramble on here. I hope you enjoy my first video and please do subscribe for more. I plan to be uploading every Sunday at 9:30 for now. Again I want to say thank you for all of your support here on Perfect Peonies and I hope that continues with this new venture. Love...

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My Spring Beauty Wishlist

Spring is finally here although you may not think it due to the weather. I swear in the UK we can't have a conversation without talking about the weather and well today it is awful, cold and rainy to be exact. So I thought to get me in the mood for the season I would share my Spring Wish List. Of course I am always on the lookout for new products and some of these are brand spanking new and others I have yet to try.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Blush- I love the shimmering skin perfectors so the sound of that glow in a blush is just wonderful. Becca does amazing powders with wonderful pigment and creamy-ness to them. The blush is said to make the cheeks 'glow with light'. The shade Snapdragon seems particularly perfect for spring.

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder- I love my Laura Mercier Higlight 01 so naturally this is on my shopping list. The shade Devotion would be perfect for me but I love that they have made a highlight for every skin tone. Plus the design is just stunning.

Farmacy Skin Dew Hydrating Essence Mist & Setting Spray- If you are a avid reader here then you will know that I am quite the fan of facial mists and setting sprays. I am also a big fan of Farmacy skincare so can't wait to get my hands on a bottle of this stuff. I suffer with dehydrated skin so anything with the word hydrating gets me excited!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipsticks- I am having a liquid lipstick moment right now and I think I need to get my hands on some of the ABH ones. I especially have my eye on Pure Hollywood, Kathryn, and Soft Lilac, and when I say have my eyes on I mean they are in my Sephora basket.

Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream SPF 20- I am in the market for a new day cream and this new release from Clarins looks rather nice indeed. It is said to plump the skin leaving a fresh glow throughout the day. The SPF 20 is also perfect for the cloudy spring days.

Urban Decay One & Done- This new base release form Urban Decay looks rather lovely. I have been into the minimal base recently, along the line of the Estee Lauder's EE Cream and I think this could be something similar. It is just so easy to have your moisture, coverage and SPF in one.

Tom Ford Cream Cheek Color- Again for summer Tom Ford has released a cream blush compact in beautiful white packaging and yet again it looks beautiful. Last summer I couldn't get my hands on any as they sold out but I am determined to get one of these babies ASAP!

So basically it looks like I am off to do a spot of shopping. Make sure you let me know what's on your current wish list in the comments. Love...


*Stock photo's used above.

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Tom Ford's Golden Mink

I am obsessed with Tom Ford beauty as many of you will know and my latest obsession from their permanent line has been the Eyeshadow Quad in Golden Mink. All of the Tom Ford quads are amazing with great pigmentation and blend-ability and I own quite a few but Golden Mink has become one of the most special in my collection. The four shadows complement each other perfectly and the two glitter shades are to die for, here I am wearing the copper shade all over the lid with a inner corner pop of the champagne glitter. To smoke it out a little I have used the dark brown shade in the crease and outer v along with the milky brown all over the lid as a base. Of course I had to finish the look of with some black winged liner and the perfect complementing lip shade Laura Mercier's Rive Gauche. The only thing I am mad about is that the glitter really isn't coming across in the photo's, it is clearly a seen to be believed matter. Glitter may not be an everyday affair but for an added little sparkle it's rather pretty. Love...


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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Meet Teddy!

You may have noticed a lack of posts around here lately, and my apologies for that but it has all been for a very good reason. If you follow me on social media you may know that this past week we have not only moved but have also got a new puppy. So everyone meet Teddy! We are so in love, well I am anyway. He is a red Cockapoo and bloody adorable. Our Labrador x loves him and they are the best of friends already, in fact as I am typing they are plying tug with their new toy. I had thought about what dog I had wanted for a while and to begin with I had decided on a Pomeranian, after much thinking I thought such a little dog may not appreciate (or get hurt by) my big Lab, not that I believe he would ever do anything but even if he just sat on him by mistake it could be fatal. I decided something Spaniel size would be great but didn't want the mounting that came with a Spaniel so a Cockapoo it was. Teddy is a Show Cocker Spaniel crossed with a Miniature Poodle so he shouldn't get too big at all. He has been with us for about five days now and he has been a dream. Only very few accidents and he sleeps the whole night through in his crate, what a dream. So there you have it, the reason for my absence, I am hoping to be back to a semi-normal blog schedule next week but that may only be three posts not five as there is still a lot of unpacking to do. I want to thank you all again for your sweet comments concerning our move and for bearing with me during this time of little blog posts. I also hope you are enjoying the new layout here at Perfect Peonies. Let me know what you think! Love...

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New at Omorovicza

Omorovicza is one of my favorite skincare brands so naturally when they release new products I am all over them. For the past few weeks I have been trying out three of their new releases and thought that today I would share my first impressions with you. The new Omoressence Hydrating Essence has already become a favorite of mine, the balancing essence is a toner in sense being used immediately after cleansing. I am a huge fan of the Queen of Hungary Mist and this has very similar properties; it attracts and retains the skins moisture levels while also protecting from environmental stresses.  It has collagen boosting ingredients to overtime lift and re-plump the skin making it perfect for a more mature complexion. It is good for all skin types and I love that it is something you apply with your hands. Another new product is the Hydra Melting Cleanser, which is a balm come gel consistency. The blue balmy formula is a triple-phase cleanser meaning it removes everything all in one cleanse, no fuss no muss is my motto after all. When applied to your dry face it turns into a lovely silky oil, removing all impurities and makeup. Just add water and it emulsifies into a gentle milk to was away. My only fault with this is that my eyes do not like it one bit so removing eye makeup with it is pretty much a no go. I have noticed since using it though my skin has been much more hydrated and my redness reduced which I think is down to the Mallow flower extract in it, so I have been really enjoying it. Lastly I have given the new Ultramoor Mud Mask a go, I have only used it a couple of times but I really like it already. Usually my skin can be quite dry and sensitive so I don't tend to dabble in mud masks to often, but I was really surprised with this one. I expected it to decongest my skin and as it is a little sensitive I also expected it to end up looking a little red. I was surprised after having it on for ten minuets I had no irritation whatsoever and it had really cleared out my pores. It contains essentials oils such as Chamomile which I think really help in that, and of course the Hungarian Moor Mud helps draw out impurities and detoxify the skin. So my love affair of Omorovicza continues and I think it forever will. Love...












*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow Foundation

An oil based bi-phase foundation may make some of you want to scream but honestly it makes me think why the heck hasn't anyone done this before. You know by now that I am all about that glow and the Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow Foundation delivers that and then some. The formula is so lightweight and fresh on the skin that it feels like you're wearing nothing at all and all while the nutrient rich oils are nourishing the skin. It glides onto the skin giving immediate moisture but without looking oily at all. My preferred way to apply it is with fingers as it is so liquid-y and that way it also gives a nice natural medium coverage. It also features SPF 30 which is perfect for the warmer months coming up and I can see that it will be my go to foundation during this summer. Its skincare properties are also said to improve dry skin overtime and within just four weeks you can see a noticeable difference. I myself am unsure about this as I don't use it everyday, I am always trying out new foundations so it's rare I wear only one all the time but I would love to see if that actually was the case. There are nine shades in total making a pretty good range for all skin tones although they seem to lean a little warmer. It is certainly a foundation for normal to dry skin, don't get me wrong I think oils are great for even oily skin but this might just be a little slick for it. I love how different this is and how my dry skin loves it. I have to admit I was a little wishy washy with it to begin with but then I realized I just wasn't shaking the bottle enough. The bi-pahse formula really needs a good shake before application and I mean a vigorous shake, then from there a few drops from the pipet are perfect. I love innovation when it comes to beauty products and this is something special. Love...


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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The Best Highend Lipstick Formulas

I love lipstick, and when I say I love it I really mean I have a problem. I most certainly own at least ten shades of nude that are all practically the same and I just can't help myself from buying more. I particularly love my luxury lipsticks and today I though I would share with you some of my favorite highend formulas. If you would like me to do the same with drugstore lipsticks then do let me know as I have some firm favorites there too.

Tom Ford Lip Color's- The original Tom Ford Lip Color lipstick formula is amazing. It is creamy and light on the lips but still lasts a bloody long time. My favorite shades are Spanish Pink and Pink Dusk, both are pink toned nudes of course. The formula is moisturizing on the lips with out being slippy or shiny meaning it has the perfect satin finish. I don't own two many of these (although I have a fair few in the lips and boys size) because of their price but I do like to treat myself to one now and again.

Tom Ford Lip Color Matte- I actually only have one shade in this formula; First Time but it is most certainly one of my favorite matte lipsticks out there. The texture is very similar to the original Lip Color's but instead it has the matte finish. There isn't to many shades in the range though so I do hope they extend them soon.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipsticks- These are about the only other matte lipsticks I love. The texture is creamy and full of pigment, and most importantly non drying. Very Victoria is a favorite of mine and a lipstick I wear at least once a week, it is a brown nude that just goes perfectly with every makeup look. They also have some lovely berry shades in the form of Love Liberty and Bond Girl. I have a full review on the lipsticks HERE.

Burberry Kisses Lipsticks- These lipsticks have a lovely buttery texture and are more on the sheer side compared to others here. They still have a nice amount of pigment but also a little more shine. I love them and they are some of the easiest lipsticks to wear. English Rose is the perfect my lips but better shade and Nude Pink is my go to nude for evenings.

Laura Mercier Lip Parfaits- The Lip Parfaits by Laura Mercier are almost a lipstick lipgloss hybrid. They have the creamy texture and pigment of a lipstick but a shine finish like a gloss. I have countless shades in these and they are my go to lip colours when I just don't know what to stick on. The formula is moisturizing and glossy but amazingly it doesn't slip or slide yet doesn't feel sticky either.

YSL Rouge Volupte's- The Rouge Volupte's come in a few different formulas and I love them all. The originals have the most pigment to them and the least shine, although they are still creamy and balmy; #15 is a beautiful orange for summer. The Rouge Volupte Shines are the glossiest of them all and offer just a sheer was of colour, I have #8 and #9 in this formula and they are both perfect everyday shades. Lastly you have the new formula to the line the Oil In Sticks which are my favorite out of the three. It has a creamy finish with great pigment and shine. #44 is the most beautiful nude pink.

Ok, I officially can't say 'formula' anymore. Make sure you let me know your favorite lipsticks in the comments. Love...

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March Favorites 2016

It's that time again, the time to round up my favorites from the past month. Before I begin I just wanted to mention this might be my last monthly favorites on the blog as I am seriously thinking about starting a YouTube channel, please do let me know what you think below on that matter as it is making me quite nervous indeed. As this has been the month we moved across the world I haven't been wearing makeup too much but when I have been the products have pretty much been the same, so I have some firm favorites.

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Oil In Stick #44- I have been obsessed with YSL's new Oil In Stick formula and the shade #44 a beautiful nude pink has been on my lips almost everyday this month. I can tell already that it will be a lipstick that I repurchase over and over again.

Aromatherapy Associates Bath Oils- It has been a stressful month so a relaxing bath has certainly been in order here and there. The only bath products I bought with me were the Aromatherapy Associates Bath Jewels, a Christmas set full of their wonderful bath oils. I don't have a particular favorite as they are all great but if I had to pick I would say the Support Lavender one.

Lune & Aster Recharge Cream- I only recently discovered Lune and Aster as a brand but I am already such a huge fan. Their Recharge Cream is a rich emollient prep cream for use before makeup, it perfectly hydrates and smooths skin for makeup application and my dry complexion has been loving it. It reminds me of the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream but just that little bit more affordable.

Lorac Buildable Blush in Tinge- I wrote a whole post about the Lorac Spring releases yesterday and mentioned how much I am in love with these blushes. The shade Tinge has been a particular favorite; it is matte nude pink blush that just goes with every makeup look. The formula is lovely and creamy with just the right amount of pigment.

Clinique Pep Start Eye Cream- I raved about this eye cream in a post this month so of course it had to make its way into my monthly favorites. It diminishes dark circles, hydrates the under eyes and all in all is just rather amazing. If you want to read my full review you can HERE.

Make sure you let me know what you have been loving this month and what you have planned for April, hopefully it will be the month we get our new puppy and I am so excited! Love...

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